Draven, Galen and Dustin left Bingham with Sven the apprentice and left Marcus behind. The path ahead was surrounded by the seemingly endless forest. So far the journey had very few highlights; the large boar that confronted them on the trip to Pespid was the only encounter on their journey. Even though there had been rumours of thieves in Norfolk they have yet to encounter any.
Grenfell was still a few days away. They were not expected to be there; this is good considering that apprentices always travel on foot. Sven walked as the three messengers rode slowly. The trip to Grenfell would be long and slow something the horses would be thankful for as they were pushed to their limits on previous treks.
“Sven” Dustin spoke up. “How many trips have you made to Grenfell?”
“This will be my ninth trip” Sven replied.
“Have you had many encounters on the journey?” Galen joined in.
“I’ve been followed a few times by wolf packs,” Sven paused. “But there has not been very many other encounters; most trips are uneventful.”
The forest was silent. You could here the each of their steps; it was eerie. There was no sound of birds or forest creatures at all. A hush had fallen over the forest which could only mean one thing; something wicked was nearby. A branch snapped beneath Sven’s foot and they all stopped. The four held their breath and listened to the silence. They could feel eyes on them.
Another branch cracked in the distance. The four drew their weapons not knowing what to expect. There had not been any rumours of thieves or rogue bands of mercenaries in Bingham. Another moment passed. They could still feel eyes staring them down; looking around they could not see any immediate danger. They pressed on with weapons at the ready.
All four were on their guard. There were very few men who would challenge three messengers who were ready for battle. A band of thieves may be daring enough to attempt it, but only if their numbers were many. Mercenaries would try it; but there would have to be a large bounty on the messengers as in most cases neither group would associate with each other.
From their right flank came the sound of bushes being violently pushed aside. All of them turned to look; but alas no man shaped shadows were present. Sven was growing anxious.
Sven was the only one without a mount. He did not know any of the three messengers he was accompanying and was worried that they would flee at the first sign of trouble. “Who’s there?” Sven shouted. “Show yourself.”
Galen hushed the boy. They all waited to see if anyone would appear. No one appeared. Up ahead the road was clear, behind them the road was clear, on either side the forest lie dormant. All four could feel the adrenaline surge through their veins and their hearts pounding in their chests. Before any of them could make another sound a bird called out in the distance. The four of them were relieved.
Come back next week; Chapter Four begins next week!
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